Gossiping about New York restaurants, events, and anything else I find entertaining.

Friday, April 06, 2007

Travel Talk

I spent the last week of March traveling around Costa Rica and I loved it! Everything about it, the food, the sun, the beach, the mojitos, the people, the animals... everything! Here's an overview of cities to visit and what to do there:

San Jose

I'm glad I was able to see the country's capital but if you're going to Costa Rica to visit rainforests, see exotic animals, etc. you don't need to spend much time here. However I did love the hotel where I spent 3 nights- The Marriott Hotel San Jose

With an infinity pool with a fabulous theater-style tanning area plus 2 great restaurants you really don't have to go into the city of San Jose, but I recommend you get out and try the eclectic Bakea.

Bakea- this fabulously modern restaurant exists in an old (1934) family owned home. Chef Camille Ratton dishes up beautiful unique dishes. The meal ended with bite-size fruit flavored breads for each patron.

Our first day tour: Ecoscape Nature Tour which included visits to Poas Volcano,La Paz waterfall, a hummingbird gallery, lunch at Selva Verde lodge, walks through the rainforst followed by a boat ride down the Sarapiqui River.

Second day trip: The four of us (my mom, dad, sister and I) drove down to Jaco beach where my dad and I learned how to surf! We took an official surfing lesson- both us of were able to stand withing 30 min. Apparently Jaco is a great place for beginning surfers.By the third day we were on our way to visit the Arenal Volcano and stay at the Lost Iguana Resort. During the day we took 3 hour tour through the rainforest where we saw a lot of monkeys and exotic birds. The tour was followed by happy hour at the hotel's swim-up bar! We had dinner at the famous Tabaco Hot Springs. It was a little difficult navigating your way around the rocky hot springs in the dark but I'm glad we at least visited the soothing waters.

The next day we took a 3 hour drive, mostly on dirt roads, to Monte Verde, located in Costa Rica's Cloud Forest! Luckily we saw the much sought-after tropical bird, Quetzal.